Only a few more weeks until summer ends but if you’re still doing a lot of summer outdoor activities then this tip might be handy. Skunks are quite common in some areas. Skunks, as we all know from those old Pepe Le Pew cartoons, secrete a nasty odor. Science tells us that the skunk uses that for protection. In any case, the skunk has an anal scent glands that produces that funky skunk odor. “Anal” should pretty much give enough caution. But outdoor accidents do happen and just in case some skunk funk gets to you, here are some tips to get rid of it.

If the skunk got you or your clothing, a well-known home remedy to the odor is soaking the area with tomato juice. But this doesn’t work. Tomato juice, while acidic, doesn’t really get rid of the sulfuric skunk funk. You’re better of using a home mix of:

• 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tsp liquid soap

Prepare this mix only as needed and use it immediately. Use this solution to wash off the area and rinse with clean tap water. Hydrogen peroxide has a bleaching effect so you might want to reconsider the status of your clothes. You may also use this on pets (though your dog might end up having that “peroxide” blond coat).

Commercial treatments are also available.

If the skunk got you in the eyes, flush with running water. Skunk secretion will sting due to the sulfur content. Consult with a doctor immediately.